Opening Day in Cincinnati
Nobody does Opening Day quite like Cincinnati.
It had been on my baseball bucket list for years, ever since seeing an aerial shot of the city—and last week, I finally made it happen. The Reds have hosted Opening Day longer than any other club in Major League Baseball history and are the only team guaranteed a home opener because of it. It’s more than just tradition here—it’s the heartbeat of the city. While not officially a public holiday, things definitely slow down. Offices ease up, schools get a little more relaxed, and baseball takes centre stage.
Even the direct flight over from London set the tone—we flew right over Great American Ball Park, fully lit up the night before Opening Day. I based myself across the river in Covington, Kentucky, at the Marriott RiverCenter, which turned out to be the perfect spot. From my hotel window, I had a stunning panoramic view of the Cincinnati skyline, the Roebling Bridge, and both the Reds and Bengals stadiums—absolutely incredible, especially at sunrise. Waking up to that each morning was the perfect way to kick off each day.
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Day 1 – Thursday (Opening Day)
The morning started with a walk across the Roebling Bridge into a city already buzzing. Even by 9am, bars at The Banks were packed, music was pumping, and red shirts were everywhere. Local news stations were covering nothing but baseball—interviewing fans in bars, hyping up the parade, and tracking weather updates (which were looking dicey at one point). The atmosphere was already buzzing.
I wanted to check out the Findlay Market Parade, so I walked the route in reverse. People had already placed their garden chairs and picnic blankets to secure prime viewing spots all along the route and around the Fountain Square area. Washington Park was also buzzing with family-friendly activities, especially for kids. I eventually found a great spot near the market to watch the parade from, right next to a bar...perfect! From marching bands and mascots to local businesses and Reds legends like Chris Sabo, it was a brilliant display of community pride. You really get a sense of how deeply embedded Opening Day is in Cincinnati’s identity.
After the parade, I headed to the official Block Party at The Banks, which was absolutely rocking—pop-up bars, live bands, and rooftop patios packed with fans. The entire riverfront felt like one massive party.
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Then it was time to head into Great American Ball Park for Opening Day 2025. The stadium was packed to the rafters. The national anthem featured a giant American flag stretched across the outfield, followed by a dramatic flypast that had the whole place on its feet. A real goosebumps moment.
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With the help of their ace Hunter Greene (who threw 7 strikeouts in the first 3 innings), the Reds took an early lead—but things got wild in the ninth. Down to their final out and behind in the count, Patrick Bailey tied the game with a clutch line-drive single. Then Wilmer Flores completely flipped the game with a two-run homer. The roar from the away fans was deafening—the rest of the stadium, silent. The Reds nearly tied it again, but Matt McLain’s deep drive died on the warning track. Final score: Giants 6, Reds 4. A truly electric game, and one of those “you had to be there” finishes.
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Day 2 – Friday (Day Off)
With no game scheduled, I took the chance to explore the city at a slower pace.
I started back at Findlay Market, this time to enjoy it without the Opening Day crowds. I wandered through the local stalls and shops before heading to the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, which absolutely blew me away. Packed with stories, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits dating back to the 1800s, it’s genuinely one of the best sports museums I’ve ever visited. The Hall of Fame section lets you tap into individual players and dive deep into their Reds careers.
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Lunch was at Moerlein Lager House, where I had the nacho burger (yes, you read that right—and yes, it was as good as it sounds) and a pint, overlooking the river, bridge, and stadium. Couldn’t ask for a better view.
Next stop: the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which tells the story of how enslaved people risked everything to escape to freedom across the river. It’s a powerful and moving experience with excellent exhibits—though probably best visited before the pints kick in.
That evening, I crossed back into Covington and wandered through Mainstrasse Village, a cool and quirky street full of bars and restaurants. The whole area was buzzing with locals watching University of Kentucky in March Madness. Despite UK losing, I had a great night chatting to people—most of whom were both confused and amused about why a Brit had flown all the way to Cincinnati for Opening Day.
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Day 3 – Saturday (Game 2 – Kids Opening Day)
The morning began with a strong coffee and another scenic walk across the Roebling. Then I joined a fascinating walking tour called “1919: The Year That Changed Baseball,” all about the Black Sox scandal, when eight Chicago White Sox players deliberately threw the World Series—against the Reds. The tour gave great insight into one of baseball’s most defining moments, and it felt fitting to hear it right here in Cincinnati.
As I arrived at the ballpark, Kids Opening Day festivities were in full swing. Thousands of families were gathered outside for the player parade, autographs, baseball giveaways, and a whole squad of mascots. The energy was incredible—it’s clear the Reds go all out to make this a day to remember for young fans.
I was fortunate enough to join a VIP behind-the-scenes tour, checking out the ballpark’s premium lounges. The Boone County Press Club and Diamond Club were absolute standouts—let’s just say they’re not your average game day experience.
Then came a real highlight: pitch-level access during batting practice. Watching players warm up from just metres away was unreal. And to top it off, I got to meet Giants broadcasting legends Dave Flemming and Duane Kuiper—total icons of the game and absolute gents.
Once the gates opened, I grabbed a slice of DeRosa’s Pizza and found my seat. The crowd was buzzing. The Reds’ family zones and playgrounds make it a fun day for all ages, and the energy carried straight into the game.
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The visitors took an early 2–0 lead thanks to (yet another) Wilmer Flores homer. But the Reds rallied: Matt McLain tied it up with a blast, Christian Encarnacion-Strand added another, and Elly De La Cruz delivered the go-ahead run. Final score: Reds 3, Giants 2. A brilliant contest and one of the best atmospheres of the series.
After the game, the kids were allowed to run the bases—a fantastic community touch and something more clubs should absolutely do. I wrapped the day with a local favourite: a classic Skyline Chili coney dog. Absolutely messy, absolutely worth it.
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Day 4 – Sunday (Final Game of the Series)
Final game of the weekend—and once again, the weather delivered. The stadium had a calmer feel, like the crowd was catching its breath after three full-on days of baseball.
I arrived early to soak it all in one more time. The visitors came out flying, with Heliot Ramos and Matt Chapman going deep to take a 4–0 lead. Robbie Ray was perfect through four innings—until a pitch clock violation threw him off. From there, it unraveled. The Reds launched back-to-back homers, and the crowd jumped straight into countdown mode with every pitch.
📸 [Photo Marker – Crowd energy, home run shots, fans taunting pitch clock]
The bullpen managed to lock things down late, and the Giants held on for a 6–3 win, securing the series 2–1. A fitting finish to a brilliant weekend of baseball.
Before heading to the airport, I made one last stop: Graeter’s Ice Cream, a Cincinnati institution. The Black Raspberry Chip might just be the best scoop I’ve had in the States.
📸 [Photo Marker – Graeter’s cup, skyline or ballpark background]
As for the flight home? Not exactly smooth sailing. A massive storm system rolled in, triggering a tornado watch, and part of the airport was evacuated. Not your average boarding call… but eventually we got airborne.
Final Thoughts: Cincinnati Belongs on Your Baseball Map
Opening Day in Cincinnati wasn’t just a game—it was a full-on celebration of baseball, history, and community. From parades and fireworks to Skyline Chili and kids running the bases, this trip delivered on every level.
If it’s not already on your baseball bucket list—it should be.
Roll on next season!
